The mine is owned by Tegeta Resources and Exploration, which is undergoing creditor protection after its owners, the Gupta brothers, found it difficult to continue doing business in the country following corruption allegations against them.

Several people had entered the mine on Wednesday afternoon to steal copper wires that supply electricity for lighting and ventilation when a gas pipe exploded, police spokesperson Leonard Hlathi said.

"The mine is wired with copper. They were going for the copper," Hlathi said.

The Gupta brothers, their lawyers and officials from their firms and family representatives could not be reached for comment about the mine incident.